The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Arkansas Chapter has announced the launch of its inaugural Festival of Philanthropy. This new event, set for Nov. 7 at Little Rock’s Robinson Center and DoubleTree Hotel, will combine the 42nd annual National Philanthropy Day awards luncheon with a full-day professional development conference. Registration for the event is now open, and sponsorships are also available.
The Festival of Philanthropy aims to honor the philanthropic contributions of individuals and organizations across Arkansas while offering educational opportunities for nonprofit professionals. Attendees will have access to keynote speeches, presentations and networking events, all designed to advance philanthropic initiatives and celebrate those making a difference in the state.
“We felt combining these events was a great opportunity to celebrate where philanthropy in Arkansas has been and where it’s going,” said Laura Grimes, AFP-Arkansas’s VP of National Philanthropy Day. “The spirit of giving in Arkansas is alive and well thanks to all the volunteers, fundraisers and organizations who work together.”
The event will feature the recognition of several honorees, including:
- The President’s Award: Methodist Family Health Foundation
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Virginia Stuart Cobb
- Outstanding Philanthropists: Susan & Dean Davenport
- Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation: First Community Bank
- Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Debbie Grooms
- Outstanding Fundraising Young Professional: Meredith Hale
- Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers: Chad Rodgers & Eric McDaniel
- Outstanding Volunteer Youth Fundraiser: Turner Siebert
- Outstanding Volunteer Youth Group: North Little Rock Mayor’s Youth Council
- Outstanding Volunteer Organization: Arkansas Hospice Volunteers
- Outstanding Foundation: The C. Louis & Mary C. Cabe Foundation
Tickets for the Festival of Philanthropy start at $100, with prices increasing after Sept. 6. Proceeds from sponsorships and registrations will support need-based scholarships, training for fundraising professionals and philanthropy education in Arkansas.
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